The Essential Trio of Vaccines for Protecting Elderly Health.

During family gatherings, such as holidays, when we have the opportunity to check on the health of our elderly relatives, it is crucial that we recommend vaccination as a small act of filial piety. Particularly, vaccines for pneumonia, shingles, and influenza are essential vaccines recommended by healthcare professionals for the elderly. When administered together, they are often referred to as "filial piety vaccines" because of their significant importance. These diseases can cause severe pain and, in some cases, lead to life-threatening conditions, especially in the elderly. Fortunately, most of these risks can be mitigated through preventive vaccinations.

 

This essential trio of vaccines for the elderly plays a significant role in preserving health and improving the quality of life.

 

The pneumonia vaccine is used to prevent inflammatory diseases occurring in the lungs and bronchial tubes, such as pneumonia. In the last five years, over 90% of pneumonia-related deaths occurred in individuals aged 65 and above, making the pneumonia vaccine one of the crucial vaccines for the elderly. There are two types of pneumonia vaccines available, the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) and the 13-valent protein-conjugate vaccine (PCV), which are used based on preventable serotypes. The 23-valent vaccine can cover a broader range of serotypes, while the 13-valent vaccine has the advantage of higher efficacy, even though it covers fewer serotypes. It is recommended that individuals with chronic illnesses receive both vaccines. Moreover, individuals aged 65 and above can receive the 23-valent vaccine for free.

 

Typically, the 23-valent vaccine is administered at least 8 weeks after the 13-valent vaccine. However, for individuals with compromised immune systems or other reasons, it is also recommended to receive the 23-valent vaccine one year after the 13-valent vaccine. Experts suggest that those who received both vaccines before turning 64 should consider getting the 23-valent vaccine after turning 65. They explain that some individuals may have received the 23-valent vaccine before the availability of the 13-valent vaccine in 2012 and should consult their local health centers or hospitals to confirm the appropriate vaccination schedule.

 

Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which results in skin blisters and rashes, accompanied by severe pain. It is particularly common in individuals aged 60 and above with weakened immune systems. Receiving the shingles vaccine can reduce the incidence of shingles and lessen its severity if it occurs.

 

There are two types of shingles vaccines: the live vaccine recommended for those aged 50 and above, and the inactivated vaccine recommended for individuals aged 50 and above and those with weakened immune systems, requiring two doses. Despite the inconvenience of double vaccination, it is suitable for patients taking immunosuppressants. However, pregnant women are not advised to receive the inactivated vaccine. Experts emphasize that individuals with a history of shingles should also consider getting vaccinated since shingles often recurs.

 

Influenza is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus, and young children and the elderly are considered high-risk groups. This year, the flu epidemic has lasted for over a year, and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has maintained the flu epidemic alert issued last year. The influenza vaccine is manufactured based on the influenza strains predicted by the World Health Organization (WHO), so it should be administered every autumn. There are two types of influenza vaccines, the trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines, with the quadrivalent vaccine being more effective in providing immunity against various influenza strains.

 

With the exception of some vaccines, most preventive vaccinations can be administered together without issues. Pneumonia, shingles, and influenza vaccines do not interfere with each other, allowing all three vaccines to be administered on the same day. Professor Moon explains, "There may be concerns that administering all three at once could lead to increased side effects, but it is known that simultaneous administration of multiple vaccines does not increase side effects."

 

This essential trio of vaccines for the elderly plays a significant role in preserving health and improving the quality of life. Therefore, we should recommend and support these vaccines for our elderly family members. These preventive measures are crucial steps to ensure the health and well-being of the elderly in our society, allowing them to lead healthier and happier lives.